THE Winchelsea entrance sculpture project will go ahead as planned, despite a personal tragedy affecting one of the major stakeholders.<\/p>\n
Last week, the Surf Coast Shire stated its officers had been working with artist Ben Storch on a plan to deliver the project following the passing of Ben\u2019s project partner Matthew Harding earlier this year.<\/p>\n
The council has resolved to deliver the project according to the original design \u2013 with sculptures installed on the eastern and western entrances to the town.<\/p>\n
The shire has committed that the funds required to finish the project are available, and anticipates that both sculptures will be constructed and installed by April 2019.<\/p>\n
The work will continue under Mr Storch\u2019s direction to ensure the artistic integrity of the sculpture project.<\/p>\n
Winchelsea ward Councillors Carol McGregor and Heather Wellington, who are members of the project reference group, were pleased to see the project would continue in its original form.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis has been a very difficult time and of course a key focus has been respecting the wishes of Mr Harding\u2019s family and likewise Ben,\u201d Cr McGregor said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also sought to understand the best way to proceed from a logistical point of view.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe two artists brought different skills to the projects so one of the considerations has been to determine how best to manage the metal fabrication from this point.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s likely the council will seek the services of a metal fabricator to work under Ben\u2019s direction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Wellington said the delivery of the project would leave an important legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstalling the sculptures as originally conceived is a way that we can honour Matthew\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure the Winchelsea community will be pleased to hear the project is continuing and will understand the delay.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sculpture designs are beautiful and once installed will make compelling landmarks that reflect the character of the township and the aesthetic qualities of the landscape,\u201d Cr Wellington said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Winchelsea entrance sculpture project will go ahead as planned, despite a personal tragedy affecting one of the major stakeholders. Last week, the Surf Coast Shire stated its officers had been working with artist Ben Storch on a plan to deliver the project following the passing of Ben\u2019s project partner Matthew Harding earlier this year. […]<\/p>\n